CHELSEA, MI – A small miracle occurred Friday night at the Purple Rose Theatre when the world premiere of “White Buffalo” debuted, as it earned a well-deserved standing ovation from the sold-out audience.

Having previously won two prestigious awards and under the sure and accomplished direction of Guy Sanville, "White Buffalo" realizes the play’s promise to “take everything that’s ordinary and make it mystical.”

Playwright Don Zolidis was inspired by a real-life incident that occurred on a farm in his hometown of Janesville, Wis., in 1994.

A pure white buffalo calf was born fulfilling an ancient Sioux prophecy. Such a birth, according to legend, will bring peace and unity among all people, and although the play is imagined, the Native American myths and stories it tells are real.

Adding to the excitement of opening night, the playwright and his wife were present, as was the couple who owned the farm where the event took place.

From the explosive beginning to the illuminated ending, everything works.

There is no wasted gesture or unnecessary word in this beautiful and moving production. The accomplished cast is truly an ensemble and they are supported by the technical aspects.

Vincent Mountain’s set tells us all we need to know about place. Lighting design by Daniel C. Walker further refines the mood and creates surprises. Drumming by Gregory Butka intensifies and underscores the action as part of the “Greek chorus” of Native Americans who comment on and bring focus to the tale (Matthew David, Nate Mitchell, Rainbow Dickerson and Meghan Thompson). Once the environment is created, the actors merely have to step into the space to tell the story.

After all, we know these people because we share their hopes for something or someone to transform our lives and that is what “White Buffalo” offers us – the possibility of redemption.

The way the two interact and disagree is so real that it draws much laughter from the audience.

At first we see only their curiosity at the birth of the white calf. Then, John Two Rivers (Michael Brian Ogden) arrives and explains the importance of the event. Things spiral from there until the need, of not only Native Americans but religious leaders and curiosity seekers of all types, to visit and see the sacred animal becomes overwhelming.

Suddenly there is more to be considered, when Carol is offered a large amount of money by a wealthy rancher (David Daoust) for the animal. Conflicting perspectives make the decision even more difficult. Further complicating matters, Carol’s husband (Alex Leydenfrost) returns after walking out of her life eight years earlier.

The Purple Rose is an intimate theater and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. You will not want to miss the opportunity to be part of and to witness this miracle yourself.

“White Buffalo”

Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Co., 137 Park St., Chelsea

When: Regular schedule is 3 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 8 p.m. only Thursdays and Fridays; and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 2.

Tickets: $25 to $40, depending on time and day of performance. Call 734-433-7673 or visit purplerosetheatre.org.